February 3 marks Setsubun.
In the culture I grew up with, Setsubun meant eating ehomaki,
but it seems there is also a tradition of eating soba.
Today, soba eaten on New Year’s Eve is called “Toshikoshi Soba.”
However, under the old lunar calendar used in the Edo period,
the year began with the start of spring.
For that reason, soba was eaten on Setsubun—the day before—
and was referred to as “Toshikoshi Soba.”
Nowadays, it is no longer called that,
and is instead known as “Setsubun Soba.”
There are no strict rules for what kind of soba to eat.
Simple kake soba, herring soba for family prosperity,
shrimp tempura soba for longevity,
chicken tempura soba for students,
and… kamo nanban—duck soba—for good fortune.
Yes, duck.
Used to make broth, considered auspicious,
and now even elevated to a guardian of the shelf—
the duck is remarkably versatile.
Bringing wishes for a good harvest and safety at home,
its blessings seem endless.
Drive away bad luck with beans for Setsubun,
and for life’s misfortunes—perhaps, this duck.
A lucky duck has just arrived.
From Japan.
— WabiSabi Asobee
No comments yet.